Dr. Robyn Ashmen Woods

Dr. Robyn Ashmen Woods, DHSc, of East Brunswick, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick. She was 55 years old.

While teaching at Stevens Institute of Technology and Rutgers, Robyn devoted her PhD research to advancing maternal and prenatal health, with a focus on improving care for vulnerable populations. Her work addressed the power of effective communication between clinicians and patients, understanding that it is more than clinical competency but a profound expression of respect and empathy that can lead to improved outcomes.

Robyn will be remembered as a scholar whose kindness was as notable as her brilliance and for her devotion to family, friends, and border collie companions (Ralphy, Holly, and Indy). She shared a deep and loving partnership with her husband Howard Woods, Jr. (d. 2023), whose support and companionship sustained her throughout her academic journey and her own health challenges. She took immense pride in her daughter, Olivia, whose growth, achievements, and aspirations were a continual source of joy. Her love for Olivia and Howard grounded and enriched every aspect of her life. Family, friends, and faith anchored her world, and she was an active parent volunteer at St. Bartholomew’s school.

Surviving Robyn is her beloved daughter, Olivia; her parents Robert and Rose Schmelter of Bogota; her brother, Robert Schmelter (Dani) of Rockland County, NY, and her nephew, Sammy.

A Visitation for friends and relatives will be held Wednesday, December 10th, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St.-at Riva Avenue, Milltown. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 11th, 9:30 am at St. Bartholomew RC Church, Ryders Lane in East Brunswick. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to March of Dimes NICU Family Support. You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com